Celebrating ELPC 30 Years - 2023 Gala

Northwoods, WI

Blog

Check out the latest updates and in-depth stories from our staff and colleagues in the Midwest.

Explore the full collection below, or feel free to filter for particular states or issues.

ELPC Turns 30

Celebrate ELPC’s 30th Anniversary!

A look back at three decades of environmental impact. A look ahead at the Midwest's sustainable future.

2/1/23

Update

Midwest State Legislature Update Spring 2023

ELPC’s legal and policy advocates have been working hard across the Midwest this season to advance environmental solutions and protect natural resources and public health.

6/1/23

Testimony

Testimony on Clean Car Standards

Vehicles are a leading source of both climate pollution and dangerous air pollution that impacts communities across the Midwest Great Lakes states.

5/22/23

Ann Mesnikoff

The Bullseye on Agriculture Climate Programs

A House subcommittee has targeted climate programs for rural communities. Here’s why that matters.

5/22/23

Andy Olsen

Victory

Two Big Wins in Iowa

Despite adding wind, Iowa’s MidAmerican Energy still clings to coal. Two recent ELPC wins could change that.

5/16/23

Josh Mandelbaum

ELPC Events

ELPC Thinks: Rep. Eric Sorensen (IL-17)

Watch our latest ELPC Thinks with Congressman Eric Sorensen

5/15/23

Update

Illinois Legislature Passes Stronger Pesticide Protections

After a group of farmworkers were exposed to harmful pesticides, ELPC & partners filed suit & fought for stronger state standards.

5/8/23

David McEllis

Testimony

Testimony on Greenhouse Gas Emission Standards for Heavy-Duty Vehicles

Trucks and buses account for one-third of transportation climate pollution. The EPA risks further harming disadvantaged communities without strong limits on truck pollution.

5/3/23

Op-Ed

Chicago Tribune Op-Ed: Seven Actions Brandon Johnson Must Prioritize for a Greener, More Sustainable Chicago

From trains and lead pipes to energy efficiency and the Great Lakes, here are a few top environmental priorities for Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson.

4/21/23

Howard A. Learner

Howard's Blog

Testimony in Support of Great Lakes Authority

The Great Lakes Authority offers tremendous opportunities to advance renewable energy and other sustainable economic development throughout the region.

4/18/23

Howard A. Learner

ELPC Events

ELPC Thinks Webinar: Author & Journalist Dan Egan on the Dangers of Phosphorus

On Wednesday, April 12, we had a robust ELPC Thinks conversation with Dan Egan on his new book “The Devil’s Element: Phosphorus and a World Out of Balance.”

4/12/23

ELPC Turns 30

30 Years of Protecting the Great Lakes

The Great Lakes are a global treasure, representing 20 percent of the world’s fresh surface water. ELPC’s work is literally at the shores of these waterways and has reinforced our mission over the past 30 years to take on – and win – more battles to protect the Great Lakes than we can begin to name here.

4/7/23

Story

Restoring Communities through the Rural Energy for America Program

Rural America is in the midst of a crisis. Congress has the tools to fix it.

4/5/23

Update

CleanChoice Settlement a Win for Consumers

Settlement will include payment to low-income solar program, greater clarity in messaging.

3/31/23

Robert Kelter

Howard's Blog

Testimony in Support of Great Lakes Restoration Initiative

See our Congressional testimony in support of full funding for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative for FY2024 at $425 million as provided in the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Act

3/29/23

Howard A. Learner

ELPC Events

Pints for the Planet 2023

This Earth Day, ELPC is celebrating with bars, breweries, and restaurants across Chicagoland with #Pints4thePlanet, because good beer needs clean water.

3/24/23

Story

What’s The Deal with E-bikes?

Electric bicycles are booming across the Midwest, offering surprising potential for more sustainable transportation.

3/20/23

Lena Guerrero Reynolds

Story

Federal Lawsuit Filed to Stop Dredge Dump on Chicago’s Southeast Side Lakefront

Southeast side community is already overburdened with pollution, where a lakefront park was promised decades ago

3/16/23

Howard A. Learner

ELPC Turns 30

30 years of Advocating for “Fix it First” Transportation Policy

A look back on how ELPC has held the line on roadway expansion and shaped the conversation for better transportation.

3/13/23

Kevin Brubaker

Op-Ed

Daily Herald Op-Ed: Electric school buses are healthiest choice for kids’ lungs, our communities and the planet

Electric school buses reduce children's exposure to toxic pollutants today while decreasing greenhouse gas emissions that threaten their future.

3/10/23

ELPC Events

ELPC Thinks: A Minnesota Case Study – Putting Energy Justice in Rate Cases

An innovative approach in Xcel Energy’s rate case tackles persistent, structural injustices in the electricity system.

3/8/23

Erica S. McConnell

Howard's Blog

Crain’s Op-Ed: Chicago’s New Mayor Needs to Tackle the Public Transit Crisis

Facing the public transit crisis is essential to the future of our city.

3/6/23

Howard A. Learner

ELPC Turns 30

Celebrating 20 Years of REAP Success Stories

The Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) is a bipartisan success story. Here’s how it can be even better.

2/22/23

ELPC Turns 30

ELPC Turns 30: Energy Programs Look to Local Opportunities

As new technologies offer local clean energy solutions, ELPC is adapting for the future.

2/20/23

Brad Klein

Testimony

Chicagoland needs a clear plan to solve the transit challenges ahead

From reliability and ridership to safety and staffing, we need clear steps to reach our regional goals, but today’s approved plan provides mostly platitudes

2/16/23

Kevin Brubaker

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